The Real Drama Behind ‘Three’s Company’: Why Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers Stopped Speaking

If you’ve ever watched Three’s Company, you know that the show was a wild ride of laughter, friendships, and a little bit of drama. But what if we told you that behind the scenes, there was an even bigger drama brewing? The long-standing feud between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, two of the most beloved stars of the iconic sitcom, left fans shocked and wondering: What went wrong?

For years, rumors swirled about the tension between the two, but what’s the truth behind the infamous falling-out? Let’s dive into the real story behind Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers’ strained relationship.

The Early Days of ‘Three’s Company’ and Their Friendship

Before we get to the drama, let’s take a quick look at how things started. Joyce DeWitt played the sweet and sensible Janet Wood, while Suzanne Somers portrayed the bubbly, blonde, and somewhat ditzy Chrissy Snow. Together with John Ritter, who played Jack Tripper, they formed a lovable trio that captivated audiences for years.

At first, everything seemed perfect. DeWitt and Somers got along famously on set, and their chemistry made them one of TV’s most iconic duos. They shared countless laughs, and it seemed like their real-life friendship mirrored their on-screen bond. But, as we all know, not everything is as picture-perfect as it seems.

The Spark That Lit the Fuse: Suzanne Somers’ Salary Dispute

The turning point in their relationship came in the early 1980s when Suzanne Somers found herself in a bitter salary dispute with the show’s producers. Somers was frustrated with the pay disparity between her and her co-stars, particularly John Ritter, who was earning more than her. She believed that her role was just as crucial to the show’s success and that she deserved a pay raise.

Somers’ decision to publicly demand a raise set the stage for the drama that would unfold. She was not only fighting for herself but also for the recognition she believed she deserved. Unfortunately, this move caused tension among the cast, particularly with DeWitt.

Joyce DeWitt’s Position: The Other Side of the Story

While Somers was pushing for more money, Joyce DeWitt remained more level-headed. DeWitt felt that Somers’ actions were selfish and could damage the show’s camaraderie. According to DeWitt, she believed that the cast should work together and that salary disputes should be handled behind the scenes rather than aired publicly.

DeWitt’s sense of professionalism and commitment to the team was evident, but this stance put her at odds with Somers, who felt she was being treated unfairly. As the feud escalated, tensions between the two became harder to ignore.

The Departure of Suzanne Somers from ‘Three’s Company’

As the salary dispute reached its peak, Suzanne Somers was ultimately written off the show in 1981 after she demanded a salary increase that the producers weren’t willing to meet. Her character, Chrissy, was replaced by Jenilee Harrison and later Priscilla Barnes, but the damage to her relationships with the cast was already done.

For Joyce DeWitt, Somers’ departure was a bitter pill to swallow. Not only was it a blow to the show’s chemistry, but it also deepened the rift between the two actresses. DeWitt felt that Somers’ behavior had been disruptive and unprofessional, which only added fuel to the fire.

The Aftermath: DeWitt and Somers’ Silent Years

After Somers left Three’s Company, the tension between her and DeWitt continued to simmer. Neither actress spoke openly about the feud for many years, but the silence spoke volumes. The two avoided public interactions, and it seemed like their once-strong friendship had crumbled beyond repair.

Over the years, both DeWitt and Somers occasionally spoke about each other in interviews, but neither was willing to fully address the root of their falling-out. Somers, for her part, made peace with the situation, but DeWitt remained more reluctant to revisit the past.

Suzanne Somers’ Perspective on the Feud

In her memoir, Suzanne Somers gave her side of the story, explaining that her actions were motivated by the desire for fair compensation. She felt that the producers had been unfair to her and that she was justified in seeking a salary increase. Somers also admitted that her relationship with DeWitt had become strained but claimed that she had tried to reconcile with her co-star multiple times after the fallout.

For Somers, the incident was part of a larger pattern of feeling undervalued in Hollywood, and her desire to stand up for herself overshadowed the consequences on her relationships.

Joyce DeWitt’s Reflection on the Feud

On the other hand, Joyce DeWitt has expressed regret over the way things turned out, but she remains firm in her belief that Somers’ actions were damaging to the team dynamic. In interviews, DeWitt has been open about her disappointment, stating that she felt Somers had acted impulsively and selfishly.

Despite her frustration, DeWitt never fully closed the door on the possibility of reconciliation. She maintained that, given the chance, she would have preferred to work things out privately rather than letting the public spectacle tear them apart.

A Public Reconciliation?

Years after the show ended, the two actresses began to publicly acknowledge each other’s accomplishments. Somers and DeWitt both participated in Three’s Company reunions and special events, where they exchanged polite pleasantries. However, their interactions remained distant and formal, never truly returning to the friendship they once had.

In 2019, both actresses were featured on a talk show together, where they shared a more cordial conversation. While they didn’t dive deep into the past, the meeting signaled a thaw in their relationship, with both women acknowledging the complexity of their history together.

The Legacy of ‘Three’s Company’ and Its Cast

Despite the personal tensions that simmered behind the scenes, Three’s Company remains one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. The show’s blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and quirky characters made it a cultural phenomenon. Today, both Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers are remembered for their iconic roles, and fans still celebrate their performances.

The Show’s Enduring Popularity

The legacy of Three’s Company lives on through reruns and streaming services. Generations of fans continue to enjoy the antics of Jack, Janet, and Chrissy, even though the real story behind the show’s production is far from perfect.

For both DeWitt and Somers, the show provided them with lasting fame and recognition, but it also highlighted the complex nature of celebrity relationships. As much as fans adored their on-screen personas, the off-screen tension serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with working in Hollywood.


Conclusion: A Friendship Lost to Time

The rift between Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers is one of those Hollywood stories that remains unresolved. While both women have had successful careers and found peace in their personal lives, the scars of the Three’s Company drama are still part of their history.

At the end of the day, the true reason they stopped talking can be traced back to a mixture of misunderstandings, professional disagreements, and personal frustrations. While the two may never return to the close friendship they once had, their legacy as part of television history is undeniable.


FAQs

1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company? Suzanne Somers left Three’s Company after a salary dispute with the producers. She wanted a pay raise, which was denied, leading to her departure.

2. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile? While they never fully reconciled, both women have had more cordial interactions in recent years, including public appearances and polite conversations.

3. How did the feud affect Three’s Company? The feud caused significant tension on set and contributed to the departure of Suzanne Somers, which affected the show’s dynamic and chemistry.

4. What did Suzanne Somers say about the feud in her memoir? In her memoir, Somers explained that her desire for fair compensation was the driving force behind the conflict. She admitted that her relationship with DeWitt became strained but hoped for reconciliation.

5. Are Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers still friends today? As of recent public appearances, DeWitt and Somers maintain a cordial but distant relationship. Their past friendship was never fully restored.

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